Miami Dolphins talking points: Olivier Vernon, Dion Jordan make defensive end a position of strength

1. High on the list of guys to watch this summer are RB Lamar Miller and DE Olivier Vernon. Lots of buzz these past couple of days on Vernon, a third-round pick out of Miami last season who showed flashes in limited duty last year. He’ll surely surpass the 3.5 sacks he had as a rookie. DT Randy Starks said Vernon “was ready to make plays for us last year.” Which brings us to …

Vernon

2. Dion Jordan. The fact the No. 3 overall pick came off the non-football injury list tells us his comeback from a shoulder injury is happening sooner rather than later. Yes, he participated in only spot duty Tuesday, but it’s a step in the right direction after neither Jordan nor coach Joe Philbin would shed light on the timetable for recovery as camp opened. Was it days? Months? Now, we know.
3. Now let’s consider items No. 1 and 2 together. Vernon is looking good; Jordan is healing. But defensive end also includes Cam Wake (obvious starter) and Jared Odrick (former No. 1 pick listed at DE but who has been practicing as a DT). Especially in South Florida’s heat, you can never have too many quality guys chasing the quarterback — witness the success the Colts have had with bookend pass rushers — but is it crazy to wonder this: Would the Dolphins have traded up to No. 3 overall for Jordan regardless of any expectations for, or improvement by, Vernon? (Disclaimer: Nobody is penciling in Vernon for a trip to Hawaii, nor is this to suggest the Fish have DEs the level of Mathis and Freeney. Just that it’s clearly turning into a team strength with tons of depth.)
4. Did a fan really show up Tuesday and smoke pot while watching practice in the stands? Yup. We smelled it up in the media viewing area, but an exhaustive search turned up no sign of Ricky Williams. (There was, however, a gent in the front row wearing a Ricky Williams No. 34 jersey.)
5. FB/TE Charles Clay, who caught 18 passes last season, looked sharp hauling in a few balls Tuesday, including one of about 25 yards through a seam in the defense from Ryan Tannehill.